Medical Assistant

Are you a multitasker with an interest in healthcare and the patient experience? Do you see yourself as a team player above all else? Are you interested in one of the fastest growing careers in healthcare today? If so, Allegany College of Maryland's Medical Assistant program is designed with you in mind.

Medical assistants are the jack-of-all-trades of the medical world, working extensively with physicians and other providers to deliver exceptional patient care. Trained to keep physicians’ offices, clinics and out-patient settings running smoothly, medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical duties, and directly impact patient health and well being.

It also prepares you for clinical (patient care) responsibilities such as:

Recording medical histories;

Explaining treatments, diagnostic procedures, special diets, and medications to patients;

Preparing patients for examination;

Taking vital signs and electrocardiograms (EKGs);

Assisting with patient examinations and procedures;

Drawing blood;

Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens;

Performing basic (CLIA-waived) laboratory procedures; and

Preparing and administering medications as directed.

Because medical assistants play a key role in helping patients feel at ease in the office, you'll need to possess excellent communication skills, display professionalism, and possess a courteous, pleasant demeanor.

Medical Assistant program students are welcome to take part in our Medical Assistant Club. During final semester of our program, we encourage you to join the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Upon completing our program, you'll qualify for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assistant.

The ACM Medical Assistant program is designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Maryland residents from counties other than Allegany County who register in this eligible program will be charged the out-of-county tuition rate. However, these students may be eligible to receive reimbursement for a portion of the cost difference between the in-county and out-of-county tuition rates. Funding availability for this program is based on funding from the state of Maryland and is thus subject to change each semester. Some restrictions apply. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting is one of the fastest growing occupations. This boom is tied to the increase in the number of physicians' offices, clinics, and out-patient facilities as a result of technological advances in healthcare and the aging Baby Boomer population.

With certification, experience or additional training/education, medical assistants have opportunities to advance to:

Clinical supervisors

Instructors

Laboratory support professionals (CLIA-waive testing)

Office managers

Although many states do not require certification, we encourage our Medical Assistant program graduates to take the certification exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) to earn a nationally recognized credential of CMA (AAMA). [The CMA (AAMA) is considered the "gold standard" of medical assisting professionalism.] During the academic year of 2009-2010, our Medical Assistant program graduates had a 100% certification exam pass rate.